“Timeslag” is a compilation of photographs created by Danish photographer Krass Clement. He is a documentary photographer renowned for his portrayal of Europe. Published in 1996, his photographic series titled “Drum” captures the everyday life of an Irish pub and is considered a masterpiece that has been widely recognized and featured in the renowned book series “Books on Books”. Clement’s documentary-style photographs are characterized by an artistic touch, conveying a sense of lyricism, beauty, and occasional solitude. The book consists of images taken in the 1980s, showcasing the neighborhood of “Noahbro,” located near the heart of Copenhagen. This area, known for its diverse immigrant population, underwent significant redevelopment, resulting in the disappearance of houses and roads and transforming the vast land into what appears as a war-ravaged wilderness.
Nørrebro, once heavily redeveloped during the 1970s and 80s, witnessed the disappearance of houses and streets, creating a landscape reminiscent of a war-torn wasteland.
Krass Clement’s black-and-white photographs serve as a lyrical narrative and cultural historical documentation, capturing the sense of loss and changeability. The book showcases the vanished Nørrebro but also serves as an artistic and personal reflection on a bygone era that is both distinctive and unfamiliar. It stands as a valuable cultural history, reflecting the record of such a city.

About the Author

Born in Copenhagen in 1946, Krass Clement is a self-taught photographer. While he initially pursued a career in film and graduated as a film director from the Danish Film School in 1973, he eventually shifted his focus to photography when it became evident that his future lay elsewhere. Having been a photographer since his early years, Krass published his first book, “Shadows of Moments” (Skygger af Øjeblikke), in 1978. His photographic work draws inspiration from two traditions: the Scandinavian melancholy and the “flâneur” tradition from the Parisian school.

Initially working in black and white, Krass Clement has continually evolved and modernized his artistic expression, incorporating color photography into his portfolio. His creative process stems from a fertile and imaginative stream of consciousness, evident in his later books. In his photography, Krass focuses more on capturing a state of mind rather than specific situations. His images serve as subjective reflections, blurring the line between spectator and reality. With a steadfast commitment to artistic integrity, Krass Clement has established a profound and distinctive body of work, with the photo book serving as his preferred medium.